[Stockland Hillman]

Wrong, I'm afraid in every respect 

Companies and suppliers usually have contracts which cover all issues of conduct where the conduct may affect the position or reputation of the contracting party. 

It's a basic tenet of business,  used widely where outsourcing or franchising takes place to protect the master organisations reputation.  They also cover post engagement behavior

In law it's actually easier to control a contractor than a staffer

This then goes back to the social media rules.

In which:
- The BBC states that Lineker needs to agree to social media rules before coming back on air, hinting that there are currently none he has to comply with
- Or, even if we believe he still needs to follow the general guidelines by default, it is very difficult to see how Lineker could have infringed upon the general BBC social media guidelines, as @LDN explained earlier

We don't know the content of the actual contract but from what the BBC has been hinting it's likely the first option, and even failing that, the second point would apply.

Indeed that looks the situation 

The BBC had previously said that Lineker is obligated.  If that's not in his contract,  that's a huge issue for them - they mislead lots of people - and GL is within his rights to say whatever

If it's included in GL contract, then the BBC should have been clearer he's breached it and taken action accordingly - termination.

"Negotiations" with GL and his team look like a classic BBC fudge,  so they can avoid sacking but  look tough. It's backfired becouse GL is now unmanageable. He's in breach or he's not, it's that simple. 

I personally agree with his tweet comments,  but is wrong to look at it that way. What we're TOLD is he's covered by policy so it's correct he follows it.

You can't have broadcasters who are untouchable in an organisation as its weak and damaging to long-term trust